‘Or this one?’
Reaching over, he rolled Kelko on to his front. Gripping the poor Treman’s topknot, he raised his head so that Charlie could see the glazed look on his face.
‘Hhmm, no, no. I think that perhaps these two can wait for another day. I think that perhaps I’ll just have to kill … this one!’ he snarled. Reaching down, he yanked Azariah to his feet.
Charlie couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Wearily she tried to get to her feet, but her head wouldn’t stop spinning and she felt like throwing up. Get up! Get up! she told herself. But her legs refused to move. Her whole body was exhausted from Crow’s attack and her attempts to summon her Will.
‘Aah, does your head still hurt, my little filly? Does it? Well, tough luck, you little brat! Just lie back and watch this. It’ll be a memory that I’m sure you’ll want to treasure!’
Leaning Azariah into his embrace, Mr Crow bent his mouth to the old Keeper’s neck. The lawyer’s head bobbed up and down as he sucked at his throat like a vampire.
Charlie tried desperately to scramble to her feet. ‘Stop!’ she begged. Tears streamed down her face as her numb fingers tried to tug at the unconscious figures beside her. ‘Jensen, Kelko, wake up!’
With a last hungry suck, Mr Crow pushed Azariah’s lifeless body to the ground. Turning back to Charlie, his beady eyes blazed with a sick, sated appetite. Blood, thick and crimson, caked his lips. ‘How do you feel, Charlie? Does it cut and gnaw at your soul to know that I killed him while you lay helpless at my feet? I’m sure it does.’ Rolling back on to his heels, he smiled up at the almost-full moon. ‘Today is just the beginning. Tomorrow Narcissa’s daughter will rid you of your pendant and the day after that I shall come for your two friends. And the day after that? Well, who knows, I might just have to come for you.’
Leaning down, he bestowed a bloody kiss upon Charlie’s forehead, then with a hop and a skip he leaped up into the air to disappear into the night sky with a flurry of wings.
56
Farewells
The midday sun that shone through the stained-glass windows in the Jade Council Chamber seemed pale and thin. It did little to soften Charlie’s emotions of rage, bitter sorrow and guilt. How could he be dead? Strong, powerful and wise Azariah … dead? It didn’t seem possible.
Azariah’s body lay upon the turquoise surface of the Jade Table. The blood had been carefully washed from his neck, he had been dressed in clean robes of state and his thick, luxuriant beard had been combed until it shone. If Charlie didn’t know better she might have been fooled into thinking that he was merely sleeping. The sombre-looking councillors still loyal to Dridif wore long black robes of mourning. They talked and whispered to one another in shock and disbelief, and Charlie could see some wiping tears from their eyes.
Dridif, standing at the head of the enormous table, raised her hands for silence. When she spoke, her warm voice echoed and resounded across the vaulted room, filling it with rosy warmth. ‘Councillors, guests, friends, I am sorry ta say that a great man has been taken from us. A man of honour, a man of silent, steadfast strengths.’ Dridif paused to stare at Azariah’s body. ‘Old friend, the Jade Circle will sorely miss ya and we shall surely notice the emptiness in our souls left by yer passing. We shall mourn ya like a brother stolen from our side. Yet yer wisdom and pride shall live on as the gentle breeze that meanders through the magnificent trees of Deepforest. Yer courage and loyalty will be remembered as we tend our fields of orchids. And yer unquenchable heart will beat forever more so long as dis city stands free from the Shadow that arises from the West. Azariah Keeper, we bless ya and shall honour yer memory for now and evermore.’
Falling silent, Dridif placed her hands on the Jade Table, and the other council members followed her lead. Lifting back her head, the First Speaker began to sing. One by one the others joined in, their voices intermingling with hers. The soft, sorrowful melody swirled throughout the cavernous chamber, filling Charlie’s heart and causing the torches, large candles and incense to wildly blaze, spit and spark. A soft breath of air flickered around, gently tugging at the councillors’ robes, ruffling Charlie’s hair and tickling at her nose. The Jade Table began to writhe and move as its amazing dew-drop green hue changed bit by bit to a deep, deep blue. Slowly yet surely, Azariah’s body began to sink into the table’s surface.
‘What’s happening to him?’ exclaimed Charlie in shock.
‘Relax, blossom,’ said Kelko, stepping up to stand by her side. ‘They’re entombing his body ta preserve it until it can be handed over ta a Triad of Keepers.’
‘A Triad of Keepers?’ asked Charlie.
‘Aye, that’s right. They need three Keepers ta send him through the Portal.’
‘Portal to where? Where are they sending him?’
‘Ta the Nether Realm,’ replied Kelko.
‘The Nether Realm?’
‘Sorry, I guess I should have explained a little better. I’m just not thinking straight at the moment.’ He sighed. ‘Azariah is a Keeper, right?’
‘Right.’
‘Well, when a Keeper dies his body is sent ta the Nether Realm. It is a realm of dreams and whispering memories. It is said that all those who pass inta that realm will live with us forever and visit us through our sleeping moments. Because of dis the Nether Realm is a resting place reserved only for those of great honour. Majestic leaders, fearless heroes and Keepers are always granted the right for their mortal bodies ta be entombed there. But it takes a great deal of power ta open such a Portal. Only three Keepers combining their Will can hope ta achieve it. And that is why Azariah’s body is being entombed. With all the unrest and war crossing Bellania, it is most unlikely that three Keepers will be found together any time soon. So only when peace reigns once more across Bellania will he find his true resting ground.’
‘Oh,’ said Charlie. She knew it sounded weak, but at that moment she didn’t know what else to say. Emotions, bitter and raw, still tugged at the back of her throat.
Turning to look at the table again, she noticed that Azariah’s body was now completely enveloped beneath the jade surface. Only by squinting could she make out the old Keeper’s outline. With his arms crossed over his chest, she couldn’t help but think that he looked like a medieval knight laid to rest on his tomb. Somehow that seemed fitting.
Dridif and the other councillors finally grew silent, allowing their flowing melody to cease. Bowing their heads once more in respect to Azariah Keeper, they stood back and slowly filed from the room. When they were alone and had some privacy, Lady Dridif approached Charlie, Jensen and Kelko with sorrowful eyes.
‘We have lost a great friend today and we shall have ta carry dis bitter tragedy in our hearts for evermore … But I have not come ta talk of such heavy matters, Charlie. Rather I have come ta wish ya all the best of luck for yer duel tonight.’
‘You won’t be there?’
The First Speaker shook her head. ‘I cannot. I must now work twice as hard ta prevent the treason and treachery in the Jade Circle. Without Azariah working so boldly by me side, I could still lose the council ta Lady Narcissa. I cannot afford ta rest.’
‘Oh.’
‘I’m sorry that I cannot be there ta support ya, but I share the same confidence in ya that Azariah had. Charlie, ya are a Keeper and ya will do us proud.’ Dridif gazed deep into Charlie’s eyes, as if searching for something. Then, with a final nod, she turned and walked off. Before she reached the huge jade doors she turned back. ‘Whatever happens, ya cannot afford ta lose. Ya must not hand that pendant over ta Constantina. If it falls inta Lady Narcissa’s hands, then Sylvaris will surely be lost ta Bane. As too will Bellania be.’ With that, she strode from the Jade Chamber.
Charlie turned to Kelko and Jensen. ‘Beat Constantina, the K’Changa champion, in a Silent Duel even though I can’t hold my Will? Oh, sure,’ she remarked sarcastically. ‘No problem. Save Sylvaris from Lady Narcissa and her spiteful children? Oh, of course. Easy. And save Bellania from
an unstoppable giant? All in a day’s work for your average thirteen-year-old, right?’ With a face like thunder, Charlie stomped her way from the room.
Kelko and Jensen eyed each other in shock.
‘Blight me Leaf!’ whispered Jensen.
‘Methinks we’re gonna have ta work on that girl’s confidence … or we’re doomed!’ wheezed Kelko in dismay.
‘Ya can say that again.’ Jensen sighed, rolling his eyes up to the ceiling. ‘Wot a wonderful Three Winds Festival dis is turning out ta be!’
57
Final Preparations
Sylvaris blazed with a flowering explosion of multicoloured fireworks that whizzed, banged and whooped into the night sky. Bright orange, yellow and red paper lanterns hung from the sides of the floating bridges and myriad scented candles flickered on almost every surface across the city. With all the extra light, the soaring towers were washed in a warm and inviting glow, so that they shone like great beacons above the treetops. And everywhere, absolutely everywhere that Charlie looked, the people of Sylvaris were celebrating.
There were Tremen dancing and fooling around in flamboyant masks of mythical creatures. Stomen men and women laughed merrily as they applied metallic body paint and glitter to their muscles, and exotically dressed Humans joined in the festivities with broad smiles. Acrobats and tightrope-walkers, fire-eaters and sword-swallowers, strongmen and jugglers darted in and out of the crowds, showing off their skills to the delight of their audience. Trees and flowers wriggled and shook as Tree Singers persuaded the wood and stems to grow into new and unusual shapes with their lilting song.
Restaurants had moved their kitchens outside for the night so that their customers could watch from the boulevards as their favourite dishes were created and cooked right in front of their eyes. Delicious flavours and scents wafted through the air as whole brigades of chefs prepared great batches of Veryvaverry Tart, Idlefinger Puffs and Billabellar Steak with Jumping Bean Sauce.
But Charlie was neither hungry nor in the mood to party. Tucking her head down and swinging her arms from side to side, she marched towards the Colosseum like a girl possessed, Sic Boy pacing along beside her.
‘But, blossom, why d’ya wanna go ta the stadium now?’ asked Kelko as he and Jensen struggled to keep up. ‘Yer match ain’t for another two hours yet.’
‘I’ve got to do something, Kelko. If I sit still I’m sure I’ll go mad. Watching the K’Changa matches will keep my mind occupied. It’ll stop me thinking too much about … well, you know, Azariah.’
Jensen and Kelko shared a look between them but dutifully followed their young friend. When they arrived, the Colosseum was packed tighter than a can of sardines. Boisterous Tremen, joyful Stomen and overexcited Humans had squeezed into every available space. Almost all of the seats had been taken, but with Kelko’s giant stomach and the muscled weight of Sic Boy the four of them managed to push their way to the front of the busy stadium. As before, Kelko, Charlie and Jensen casually stole some of the vacant seats reserved solely for the Jade Circle. Sic Boy bared his teeth in a horrible growl as one of the ushers hurried over to complain. But after a close-up of Sic Boy’s teeth, and realizing that it was Charlie Keeper in the stand, the usher wisely turned around.
Unlike Charlie’s first visit, several of the Jade Circle seats were occupied. Many of the councillors had come to attend the Three Winds Festival celebrations and unfortunately Flint and Nazareth were part of a group sitting nearby. Seeing the small party arrive, Nazareth tugged at his beard and glared at them, harrumphing loudly. Charlie furiously glared right back. Oddly enough, it was Nazareth that turned away first. There was something he didn’t like staring back at him from Charlie’s eyes, something that scared him. Wriggling uncomfortably in his chair like a child with an itchy bottom, the irate councillor did his best to pretend that Charlie and her friends weren’t there.
‘Excuse me, but I believe that these seats aren’t taken,’ lilted a beautiful voice. ‘I do hope you won’t mind if my sons and I joined you.’
Charlie stiffened. It was Lady Narcissa.
Smiling wickedly at Charlie and her companions, Narcissa and the Delightful Brothers sat down in the last few remaining seats.
‘What do you want?’ snapped Charlie.
‘What do I want? Why, nothing more than a chance to enjoy the show. I believe that Sylvaris’s most prestigious celebrities will be here, so of course my sons and I simply had to attend.’ Narcissa smiled. ‘Hhmm, how odd …’
‘What is it, Mother?’ enquired Stix with a slightly knowing look.
‘Well, it could just be my imagination, but it appears as though Azariah Keeper is not attending.’
‘You’re right, Mother, that is odd. I wonder where he could –’
‘Don’t push it!’ snapped Charlie. The venom in her voice startled both Jensen and Kelko, who turned to stare in astonishment. ‘I won’t put up with any more of your mockery! If you have anything of importance to say, say it now or otherwise jabber off!’
‘My, my,’ said Narcissa, grinning nastily. ‘It would appear as though the little girl has grown a backbone. How very surprising.’
Stix and Stones chuckled dutifully.
‘Tell me, my little Keeper,’ continued Lady Narcissa, ‘did you enjoy meeting my new servant, the Crowman? He asked me to assure you that it was a great pleasure to meet both you and Azariah Keeper.’
‘What do you know about …?’ cried Charlie. ‘Wait a minute! Your servant? You sent Mr Crow to Azariah’s home? It was you who ordered his death?’
‘Of course, you silly little girl!’ hissed Narcissa, her eyes suddenly narrowing into fierce slits. Abruptly she leaned forward and pushed her face close to Charlie’s. ‘And if you have any foolish ideas about attempting to best my daughter, I shall make very, very sure that the delightful Mr Crow crushes your two foolish friends here into bags of blood and bones!’
Charlie tried to stand, but her emotions were so overpowering that she staggered and nearly fell. Her blood began to boil and ice stabbed at her soul. With a raging shout, she lunged towards Narcissa. She almost succeeded in grabbing the smug councillor by the throat, but Kelko and Jensen managed to pull her back and hold her fast. Together they hauled Charlie’s wriggling form away from the busy stands, Narcissa’s taunting laugh echoing after them.
‘Charlie!’ shouted Jensen as one of her flailing fists smacked him in the eye. ‘Will ya hold it in! Ya can’t just get inta a fight with Narcissa like that!’
‘Why not?’ snapped Charlie. Her chest heaved up and down as though she’d just run a marathon.
‘Because the Delightful Brothers are there with her. They’re just too dangerous, even with us and Sic Boy watching yer back.’
‘I don’t care! I don’t care!’ snapped Charlie with sheer frustration. ‘Can’t you see she’s a murdering witch? She’s the one who ordered Azariah’s death. You heard her! And you guys wouldn’t let me do anything about it.’
‘Of course we couldn’t let ya do anything!’ said Jensen. ‘Someone would have got hurt – hurt real bad. And with the Delightful Brothers thrown inta the mix, more than likely it would have been one of us! Now then, I want ya ta relax and just concentrate on the Silent Duel. Remember, blossom, the best way ta hurt Narcissa right now – and hurt her good – is ta win dis K’Changa game. Win it and laugh in Constantina’s face. Let’s see how much Narcissa and her cursed family like that!’
Charlie grudgingly nodded. She calmed down slightly and Kelko and Jensen carefully released her from their grip. As much as she didn’t like to admit it, Jensen was absolutely right. First things first.
58
The Silent Duel
‘It is time,’ said the match official as he watched the last two K’Changa contestants leave the arena. ‘Ya must enter.’
‘What about Constantina?’ asked Charlie.
‘As the challenger she has the right ta enter last,’ said the official with an imperious look.
Charlie
snorted. ‘Hhmpf. No doubt so that she can make another one of her spectacular entrances.’
‘Wotever the case, ya must enter first,’ he insisted.
Charlie stared out at the vast tide of faces that swamped the Colosseum. There were thousands and thousands of people out there. All of them were waiting to see her, Charlie Keeper. She gulped as she felt the first little tremor of stage fright.
A firm hand gripped her by the shoulder. ‘Good luck, me little Hippotomi,’ said Jensen.
‘Aye, good luck,’ said Kelko. ‘We believe in ya.’
Charlie wanted to smile, but with all the butterflies rampaging around her stomach she found it hard to control herself, so instead of getting a confident smile her two friends received a sickly grin. ‘Thanks, boys,’ she said in a small voice that quivered and shook.
She tried to draw strength from the outfit that she wore, one of her treasured gifts from Azariah. First she touched the jade hairpin that secured her top knot, then trailed her fingers down across the dark weave of her shirt, past her spider-silk belt to finally wrap her trembling hands in the fabric of her black baggy trousers. But although she took comfort from Azariah’s gift, it did little to quench her fear.
‘Will ya please hurry up?’ urged the official. ‘We haven’t got all day!’ He sneered at her. ‘Why don’t ya simply give the pendant over ta Constantina anyway? Save us all a lotta hassle.’
‘Watch yer mouth!’ growled Jensen. Stepping close to the arrogant official, he waved his fist beneath the man’s nose. ‘She’ll go out as and when she’s ready, so stand there and be quiet before I thump ya!’
Sic Boy growled too and took a couple of menacing steps forward.
The official quickly clamped his mouth shut.
‘Good,’ snorted Jensen. ‘OK, Charlie, lass. Just remember ta do everything that we’ve done in practice. Move fast, stay light on yer feet and, for the Seven Heavens’ sake, keep a firm grip on yer Will. Now get out there and show us wot ya’ve got!’
Keeper of the Realms: Crow's Revenge (Book 1) Page 28